Thrill-Sseeking describes people who chase novel, complex, and intense sensations, love experience for its own sake, and may take risks to pursue those experiences.
Thrill-seekers aren’t motivated by danger.
They’re driven to conquer new challenges and soak up every experience life offers—and they don’t let danger dissuade them.
Therefore, they may not fear the risks accompanying mountaineering, cliff diving, gambling, or drug experimenting.
Despite the hazards of certain behaviors, risk-taking has value and serves an essential evolutionary purpose.
Without the courage to advance into unknown, potentially dangerous territory, humans may not have found new mates, populated the globe, or flourished as a species.
Researchers today believe that the characteristic encompasses four components.
- First, an innate quest for adventure and risk.
- Second, a love for varied and novel sensations.
- Third, a natural ability to be disinhibited and unrestrained.
- Fourth, susceptibility to boredom.
The extent to which individuals possess these four components determines how they approach or avoid new sensations.
Thrill-Seeking, therefore, exists along a continuum.
Thrill-seeking lies on one end, and fear of new experiences lies on the other; most people land in the middle.